The Kayan Tribe of Myanmar

A Culture of Grace, Strength, and Symbolism

Nestled in the serene hills of Myanmar’s Kayah State lies one of the most visually distinctive and culturally rich ethnic groups in Southeast Asia—the Kayan tribe. Known to the world primarily for their “long-necked women,” the Kayan people have a story that transcends exotic imagery and enters a realm of resilience, artistry, tradition, and quiet defiance.

A People of the Hills

The Kayan are a sub-group of the Red Karen (Karenni) ethnic minority. Historically, they have inhabited regions in eastern Myanmar, close to the border with Thailand. Due to decades of civil unrest and conflict with the military junta in Myanmar, many Kayan families sought refuge across the border, and today a large number reside in Thai refugee camps and designated tourist villages.

Despite political instability and displacement, the Kayan have held onto their identity through a rich tapestry of language, rituals, crafts, and oral history.

The Iconic Brass Coils: Tradition or Burden?

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of the Kayan is the custom of neck rings worn by some women. These brass coils, added gradually over the years starting from as early as five years old, appear to lengthen the neck—though in truth, they push down the collarbone and compress the rib cage.

Why do they wear them?

Aesthetic Beauty: Within the tribe, the long neck is seen as a symbol of elegance and beauty.

Cultural Identity: The rings serve as a strong cultural marker, distinguishing Kayan women from other groups.

Myth and Protection: According to local legend, the rings may have originally been used to protect women from tiger bites—or to make them less attractive to slave traders.

However, in modern times, this tradition faces scrutiny. Critics argue that tourism has commercialized the practice, turning Kayan women into exhibits. Many young women today are choosing not to wear the rings, balancing pride in tradition with the desire for autonomy and education.

Spirituality and Rituals

The Kayan people traditionally practice animism, believing in spirits (called “kho kaw”) that inhabit natural elements. Every village has a central totem, often a carved tree trunk known as a Kay Htoe Boe, used for spiritual ceremonies and offerings.

Over time, exposure to Christianity and Buddhism has influenced the tribe’s spiritual landscape. Still, many traditional rituals—like rice planting festivals and initiation rites—remain central to their cultural life.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

The Kayan are gifted artisans. Women are often skilled weavers, producing vibrant handwoven textiles using backstrap looms. The designs are often geometric and reflect natural elements, tribal stories, and spiritual beliefs.

The brass neck rings themselves are carefully crafted, usually custom-made for each girl. Jewelry-making and brass-smithing are male-dominated traditions, with each piece forged with care, precision, and a deep sense of heritage.

A Life Between Two Worlds

Today, the Kayan people walk a tightrope between preserving tradition and pursuing modernity. For those living in tourist villages in Thailand, life is often economically dependent on visitors. While tourism has brought income and visibility, it has also raised difficult questions about consent, representation, and cultural preservation.

On the other side, younger Kayan individuals—especially women—are seeking higher education, careers, and social mobility. Some leave their communities, risking the loss of language and tradition, but also gaining freedom to redefine their identity beyond stereotypes.

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

It’s easy to exoticize the Kayan, to reduce their complex lives into photographs of “giraffe women” and curated performances. But to appreciate the Kayan means going beyond the brass coils—seeing their humor, resilience, adaptability, and quiet resistance in the face of political oppression and cultural commodification.

True appreciation honors their voice, history, and evolving identity.

In Closing

The Kayan tribe of Myanmar is more than an image on a travel brochure. They are a people rooted in history, shaped by hardship, and navigating a complicated modern world. Whether in the remote hills of Kayah State or in the bustling markets of northern Thailand, the Kayan continue to embody a delicate dance between tradition and change, visibility and dignity, and heritage and hope.

To understand the Kayan is to listen—not just look.